Born in a little town called Logan, WV, Dawn Thomas, singer/songwriter, grew up in Pensacola, FL and went to high school at Woodham High. She started singing with her dad and sister in Pentecostal churches at the age of 5 and started playing the piano when she was 10.
She studied classical piano under the tutelage of Dr. Pierre Hybregts, a professor at the University of West Florida, and grew to love, play, and sing black gospel music while attending Brownsville Assembly of God under the influence and direction of the marvelously talented and then pastor, Guy Heath.
At age 16, she wrote her first gospel song. This was the beginning of a career in the making as she has now had several of her songs recorded by artists such as: Faith Hill, Earth Wind & Fire, James Ingram, Anita Baker, Lorrie Morgan, Kathy Tricolli, Shirley Horn, Point of Grace, Regina Belle, Sandi Patti, Michael English and other well known artists. her latest song has been recorded and is scheduled to be released by American Idol performer and contestant, Melinda Doolittle this coming February 3, 2009.
Signed to Elektra records in 1993, she recorded a pop album produced by legendary producer, Tommy LiPuma, who also produced Natalie Cole's, Unforgettable album. The album was never released which was a devastating blow to her heart, but not her success. After that setback, Dawn Thomas changed her name to Constant Change on March 5, 1997.
As a songwriter, Constant Change aka Dawn Thomas has had several songs chart in the Billboard Top 40 and over 5 #1's. She was also nominated for a Dove Award for the song, I'll Give You Peace, recorded by Sandi Patti. Her most recorded pop song, If I'm Not In Love, recorded by Faith Hill, was also performed by then named Dawn Thomas on the Indecent Proposal movie soundtrack. The same song was performed by Faith Hill, in the movie, Chasing Liberty, starring Mandy Moore and Mark Harmon. One of her songs, written as a tribute to Minnie Pearl, was performed by Trisha Yearwood on the CBS special in Minnie Pearl's honor.
Constant Change aka Dawn Thomas is both singer and songwriter and a unique talent. She has recently hooked up with drummer, Vernon Porter and bassist, Herb Conaway to share her music and voice. If you like soulful sounds, mid to uptempo songs and rich ballads, then you won't want to miss Ask Bill, The Band.
Vernon Porter started playing drums when he was in the 5th grade. He grew up playing Gospel and R&B and has been a member of various bands along the Gulf Coast and beyond.
His first professional gig was with Johnny Taylor at the age of 16 and Shirley Murdock later in years. Vernon has played with bands that have opened for many, many nationally known artists such as Maze, Al Green, MC Hammer, The Four Tops & Ohio Players.
Vernon can make the drums pop and will find the right groove for a song every time.
"I enjoy playing various styles of music but especially playing Classic Pop, Funk, R&B soul, Blues and Gospel. Music is one of my biggest loves in life. JESUS CHRIST & My entire family first."
At a early age Herbert Conaway was introduced to music by taking piano lessons. This lead into playing other instruments such as the clarinet, sax and the bass guitar.
While listening to old R&B songs this inspired him to play the bass guitar. Some of his influences were Larry Graham, Chuck Rainey, Rusty Allen, Ron Carter, the Louis Brothers and others. While in college at Alabama State University he played in marching band, concert and jazz bands.
While in the jazz band he accompanied such artist as Donny Hathaway , Howard Johnson (of Saturday Night Live fame horn section ),Natalie Cole, and a long list of others. "Playing R&B, Jazz and Gospel makes me realize that music is the universal language that we all can understand and enjoy."
